Avli Milwaukee — Restaurant in Milwaukee

I don't know what it is with restaurants having a single, completely open, high ceilinged dining space. It is so incredibly loud with nothing to absorb sound. All throughout the dining room people sitting next to each other were leaning toward each other and still shouting to be heard by that person right there. It doesn't help that Avli attracts a trendy crowd which is of the mindset that the world revolves around them and others should just deal with THEIR wants. A party of twelve women were seated right next to us (thankfully we were nearly finished when they arrived) and had bags and packages spread out on the floor around their table creating a hazardous situation for other patrons trying to get to and from their tables. No employee told them to move them. Feels sterile, not cozy at all.

Anthony was our server. He was very friendly and personable. He did bring the wrong beverage to one person and told us they split checks, then had to come back and say they will only split a check 3 ways. He didn't know if they had hot cocoa as it was quite cold outside and hot cocoa and Bailey's is the quintessential winter beverage. They don't by the way. He was attentive throughout the meal until the party of twelve was seated, then we had to wave him over when we needed him. He is a really good guy with no pretention and a genuine presentation that he wants to help, so I'm not sure if he was just on the newer side.

So now the food. OUTSTANDING. They do the small plate thing and serve entrees family style - which I'm just not into. Not a dig on them at all, it's just my thing. Trying to get everyone to agree on what to share when everyone has different tastes, often times with some being very picky eaters. Too much. Some of the others did the whole share thing so we had SO many different dishes coming to our table - which they bring out as they finish in the kitchen. They do not wait for all items to be ready and bring it out at one time so you get to enjoy each item without being overwhelmed. I will try to remember everything on our table: Toasted Pita Bread, Tzatziki, Saganaki, Kataifi Prawns, Spanakopita, Shrimp Souvlaki, Pork Tigania, Moussaka, and I ordered the Baked Chicken and Rice Pilaf. We were accidentally given two orders of the tzatziki and pita bread so I tried some. Delicious. I was offered one of the prawns, and OH SO AMAZING. The chicken is tender and juicy and just fell off the bone. Nicely seasoned with a crispy skin. After all of the flavor on everything else the pilaf fell flat. Tasted like plain white rice. But as it was not a main event, I will give it a pass. Although $8 for plain white rice is a bit pricy.

As always I couldn't finish everything so I have lunch for at the office today. YUM!

One CRITICAL piece of information missing from their website is that they are cashless. We do outings in groups where often times some people ONLY have cash in case a venue does not split checks and we have to pool everyone's money. We could have easily had no plastic among us and had to leave. Keep in mind if you...

I recently dined at this charming Greek restaurant, and I must say, it was an exquisite experience from start to finish. The moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were welcomed by a warm and inviting ambiance that made us feel like we were at home on a private terrace, nestled away in the heart of Greece.

The highlight of our evening was undoubtedly the kitchen's culinary prowess. Each dish was a culinary masterpiece, bursting with authentic Greek flavors and ingredients that transported our taste buds to the Mediterranean. The freshness and quality of the ingredients were unmistakable, and the attention to detail in every plate was truly remarkable.

The service was equally outstanding. Our waitress was a high-energy, knowledgeable, and attentive guide throughout the meal. She expertly paced the dishes, allowing us to savor each course and engage in delightful conversation without feeling rushed. What truly stood out was the personal touch offered by Steve, who kindly offered a sample of Greek wine upon our arrival. This gesture added a special touch to our evening and set the tone for a memorable dining experience.

Speaking of the wine, it was an absolute delight. We were impressed to learn that all of their wines are sourced from Greece, and the glass we sampled was nothing short of exceptional. It perfectly complemented our meal, adding another layer of authenticity to the experience.

In summary, this Greek restaurant has successfully blended a cozy and private ambiance with a kitchen that delivers authentic flavors and a service team that goes the extra mile to ensure a memorable evening. From the welcoming atmosphere to the delectable cuisine and the thoughtful wine selection, it's a gem for anyone seeking a taste of Greece in a cozy, intimate setting. We left with full hearts and satisfied palates, looking forward to...

I really wanted to like this place. I’ve been wanting to eat here since it opened. Since it was our anniversary, I thought this would be the perfect spot to celebrate. I reserved a table for two prior. The place was beautifully decorated but filled/packed inside with barely any room to walk (other than the servers serving people) that’s how close the tables were to one another. I could hear the entire conversation of the people at the table next to me. The server could’ve been better, at first she was great. I thought it was gonna be a good start to the night but that was the only positive of the night, other than the A-gouri drink, that was a 10 out of 10. Sadly that was the only high rating I could give this place. I ordered the Chicken Souvlaki and my husband ordered the Shrimp Souvlaki for the appetizer we ordered Greek Graviera Fries. I thought the fries would be a little bit more special. They’re simply just fries with cheese shaved on top. The chicken was so hard/tough I tried my best with table manners, but I couldn’t even get the chicken off the skewer with a fork. I felt like a child, pulling the chicken with my fingers at the table.. I had to chew more than 20 times to get it down and wash it down with my lovely glass of water. The rice was hard, not even cooked. I almost choked on the rice as well. The shrimp was good, but it being shrimp. It was more easier to chew, however that as well was overcooked. The food was so dry I had to ask for lemon slices. Unfortunately, the only lemon slices provided were the ones behind the bar. My server was so busy she didn’t come to the table until we were ready for the bill. Not once did she come and ask how’s the food tasting or How is everything so far? sadly, this will be the last time I will come to this restaurant. The meal was expensive & my expectations...